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about.png

ATLAS embodies our commitment to improving the world we share because no one should be expected to bear its full weight alone.

Founded in 2014, ATLAS Strategy Group provides tactical guidance to forward-thinking executives and organizations who champion equity and pursue transformational impact. We do this by:

  • Developing partnerships between multinational entities and communities of color

  • Identifying underutilized talent at national conferences

  • Implementing social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion programs

  • Equipping and empowering our clients to bring consciousness to capitalism through the implementation of equity-focused initiatives

Michael Blake, a Bronx native and former New York Assemblymember, is ATLAS’ founding CEO. He is also the former Democratic National Committee vice chair and former White House Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & Public Engagement.

Michael has dedicated his life to fighting for his community and all communities like it. As an aide to President Barack Obama, he was part of the team that gained passage of both a student loan bill that lowered the cost of attending college and the historic Affordable Care Act, the economic stimulus package that ended the Great Recession. He also created the White House Urban Entrepreneurship series to create job opportunities in cities across the country.

In 2014, Michael was elected to represent Dist. 79 in the New York State Assembly, where he played a key role in passing crucial reforms to the state’s criminal justice system; achieved passage of one of the most ambitious climate change bills in U.S. history; brought President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” mentorship program to New York to support young men of color; challenged powerful New York City real estate developers; secured millions of dollars to improve public housing; ensured employees of women- and minority-owned businesses are paid promptly and equitably.

Michael founded ATLAS to continue this change work and has since worked with some of the private sector’s most forward-thinking leaders, adhering to a fresh return-on-investment formula that emphasizes personal connections through:

  • Relationship building

  • Outside programming

  • Internal implementation

A proud Northwestern University graduate and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., Michael  still lives in The Bronx, where he cheers for The Yankees.

Michael is an active member of the following boards:  YouthInc, ReadyLife, DreamYard, Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Allen Chapel AME, Alpha Phi Alpha, Green Bronx Machine, Renaissance Youth Center, The Knowledge House, Barbershop Books, 100 Black Men